Awkward between Keenum, Schaub? No way, Texans’ starting QB says

Wade Phillips confirmed, to no one’s surprise, that Case Keenum will remain the starting quarterback against the Cardinals and most likely beyond.

The situation would seemingly be awkward for the second-year pro in his relationship with Matt Schaub, who was playing poorly before getting hurt, but Keenum insisted Schaub has handled the transition in classy fashion.

“He couldn’t be a better guy through the whole thing,” Keenum said. “I’m extremely proud to know him. He’s still giving advice without me asking, just being there for me for whatever I need. I can’t say enough about him. He’s one of the best guys I know. I’m really fortunate to have him in our quarterback room.”

Keenum said Schaub helps him “every day. It’s in between plays in practices, on the sideline, watching film in the morning, all that stuff. It’s constant.”

But Keenum admitted he hadn’t spoken with Gary Kubiak since the coach collapsed leaving the field at halftime Sunday.

“I’m just trying to give him space,” he said. “I’m keeping my head down and doing my job. Everything that is or can be done is being done. I’m just doing a lot of praying (for him).”

Keenum admitted the place “in ‘center field’ (behind the defense), where (Kubiak) usually stands during practice, was a little bare” Wednesday.

<center><strong>Week 5: 49ers 34, Texans 3</center></strong><br>
Matt Schaub (8) stands on the sidelines as backup quarterback T.J. Yates (13) prepares to go into the game during the fourth quarter. less

<center><strong>Week 5: 49ers 34, Texans 3</center></strong><br>
Matt Schaub (8) stands on the sidelines as backup quarterback T.J. Yates (13) prepares to go into the game during the fourth ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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49ers defensive back Tramaine Brock returns an intercepted pass by Texans quarterback Matt Schaub 18 yards for a touchdown during the first quarter.

49ers defensive back Tramaine Brock returns an intercepted pass by Texans quarterback Matt Schaub 18 yards for a touchdown during the first quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans kicker Randy Bullock watches his miss on a 45-yard field goal attept during the first quarter.

Texans kicker Randy Bullock watches his miss on a 45-yard field goal attept during the first quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans wide receiver Keshawn Martin reaches for a pass as 49ers defensive back Darryl Morris defends during the first quarter.

Texans wide receiver Keshawn Martin reaches for a pass as 49ers defensive back Darryl Morris defends during the first quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans running back Arian Foster is brought down by 49ers free safety Eric Reid during the first quarter.

Texans running back Arian Foster is brought down by 49ers free safety Eric Reid during the first quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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49ers running back Frank Gore scores on a 1-yard touchdown run past Texans inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton during the first quarter.

49ers running back Frank Gore scores on a 1-yard touchdown run past Texans inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton during the first quarter.

Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) slams Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) to the turf in overtime. Jackson was penalized for a personal foul on the play, giving the Seahawks a first down. ( Brett ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) is tackled on the sidelines by Texans inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton (51) in overtime. Shaprton was called for a horse collar penalty on the play. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) is tackled on the sidelines by Texans inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton (51) in overtime. Shaprton was called for a horse collar penalty on the play. ( Brett Coomer / ... more

Titans quarterback Jake Locker is sacked by Texans defensive end J.J. Watt during the third quarter.

Titans quarterback Jake Locker is sacked by Texans defensive end J.J. Watt during the third quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Running back Ben Tate breaks away from Titans strong safety Bernard Pollard for a 60-yard run during the first quarter

Running back Ben Tate breaks away from Titans strong safety Bernard Pollard for a 60-yard run during the first quarter

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans mascot Toro rappels from the top of the stadium as the 2012 AFC South Champions banner is unfurled before facing the Titans.

Texans mascot Toro rappels from the top of the stadium as the 2012 AFC South Champions banner is unfurled before facing the Titans.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>Week 1: Texans 31, Chargers 28</center></strong><br>
Texans kicker Randy Bullock is mobbed by his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Chargers as time expired. less

<center><strong>Week 1: Texans 31, Chargers 28</center></strong><br>
Texans kicker Randy Bullock is mobbed by his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Chargers as time ... more